Fast tests help identify food bacteria

BioMérieux in France has developed a rapid test called CampyFood ID to detect Campylobacter in food. Campylobacter, chiefly C.jejuni, is the third leading cause of death in food poisoning worldwide.

The CampyFood IDs that make these bacterial groups form in a white culture in the reddish orange color make it easy to distinguish them, according to BioMérieux, based in Marcy-l'Étoile.

Poultry food is thought to be the first source of Campylobacter spp., With major pathogens that are digested (not thoroughly cooked) and spread from person to person. This bacterium causes intestinal infection that can cause death or severe neurological damage.  

Campylobacter bacteria in food (photo: biology)

Q.HUANG